KidStyleFile

Written by Raquel

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Oh boy, here it is, the final Green Guide for the year. Yep, hard to believe, but there goes 2011! Thankfully, green design keeps getting better with age (just like us really!), so there’ll be plenty of cool sustainable children’s products turning up in 2012 to tickle our fancy. In the meantime, feast your eyes on the last of this year’s lovely green goodies, and have a wonderful Christmas and New Year with your family.

1. Dinner time just got a whole lot groovier thanks to these fab mealtime sets from US brand oogaa. Made from dishwasher, microwave & oven safe BPA free silicon, the dazzling colours and cool plane and train spoons will win over the fussiest of eaters, along with parents looking for kid-proof healthy ways to serve up the greens.
2. Speaking of food, this cute little organic apron is one accessory no mini chef should be without. Fairly made in Bali, with any luck the kids will be whipping us up some sweet cupcakes or a yummy tray of chocolate weetbix slice in no time (and hopefully washing up afterwards too).
3. Check out this purrfectly cute lunch bag from Built! Just one of the new designs in their latest Big Apple Buddies range, it not only packs insulation to keep food cool or warm, but has the nifty utility of attaching to backpacks and strollers with a very handy buckle handle. BPA and PVC free, the lunch bags come in Doggy, Kitty and Owl designs.
4. Ever tried finding organic bedding for children? Nope, there’s not a whole lot on offer so I’m stoked that local eco-design studio, Harvest Textile, has released some pretty, eye-popping single quilt covers that’ll look super smart in any room. My fave has to be the blue triangle design, but I’m also loving their red and mustard zig zag, all of which are hand screen printed onto organic cotton using water based inks.
5. Kids really are natural organisers, it’s just sometimes they need a wee bit of encouragement. When it comes to keeping pencils nice and tidy, I’m betting these adorable pencil holders made from reclaimed wool will assist little artists to pack their tools of the trade away once they’re finished drawing, although they’re so darn cute (the kids and the cases!) we probably won’t mind if they don’t…
6. Looking to add a wee bit of urban funk to an older child’s room? Try this Graffiti Cardboard Stool – sturdy enough to take a bit of knocking; inexpensive enough not to worry too much about wear and tear; cool enough to please the kids – yep, it’s definitely a seat fit for a tween!
7. Aahhh, the wonderful wares of Spanish designers Londji are just so delightful, I couldn’t bring myself to choose only one to share. Ergo, I bring you two: their artful elevation of dominos, Domino Circus, and this quirkily cool carrot top, that along with pears, apples, strawberries and lemons, is part of Londji’s new range of spinners – Fruit Tops! Londji toys are created with a mash of natural/recycled materials and modern/vintage design, resulting in a collection of children’s objects that are truly magical and timeless.
8. Anyone for a 3 Legged Race? For good ol’ battery free fun that’ll get the kids moving and laughing all at once try some old time classics—Egg & Spoon, Ring Toss – from sustainable Aussie business Fun in the Sack.
9. They may be functional but coat racks are not generally known for their beauty – until now. This leafy stunner from Mocka comes in white, pink, red and green and in a lovely feat of good design, manages to smartly organise kids’ gear all the while looking super dandy. That’s fab for parents who love a bit or stylish organisation but for something the kids will really dig, perhaps Santa should consider popping Mocka’s awesome police balance bike  on the Chrissy list?
   
   The Green Guide is published once a month. Read previous ‘The Green Guide’ posts here.Please check individual sites for pricing and postage details and be sure to survey the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal. Need to convert currency? Use the Xe.com currency conversion tool.

 Written by Melody

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One of my favourite memories of being a little girl was when my mummy brought my sister and I puffy little princess dresses. I was captivated by  them and imagined myself part of the Royal family. Our imaginations ran wild in those dresses, as did our English accents during many imaginary tea parties. When I spotted the Mini Treasures Odessa Dress from About A Boy – www.aboutaboy.com.au, I was instantly transported back to when I was 5 years old.  The frills, the sparkle, the cap-sleeve – a perfect dress to recreate the a sense of wonder for my own daughter. Not only am I delighted to find such a beautiful gown, but it is also in the About A Boy Super Sale and half its original price!

For boys you truly are spoiled, because About A Boy stock a *huge* range of fashionable clothing for the smaller men in your world. If you are looking for a special Christmas day outfit for boys, then check out the Knucklehead Boys Dress Shirt paired with the Knucklehead Mob Shorts in Grey, and top it all off with a funky BEAUtique Mini Check Fedora Hat.

About a Boy, not only has awesome clothing for boys, but sells adorable clothes for girls and even has some gorgeous items for us mummies. I love the La La Luxe Sarah Dress as a Christmas outfit  for me – it looks divine while being practical enough for a full-on day of running around after three excited little Christmas munchkins.

All clothing in the About A Boy Super Sale Category are reduced by 50% off the original prices. This includes clothing for boys (obviously!), but also for girls and mummies. With prices automatically adjusted during the checkout process all you need to do is to try and choose between the many fabulous items. Save yourself huge and grab all your party season outfits!

1. Mini Treasure Kids Odessa Dress in Bronze, $120.00 Less 50% = $60.00
2. Underneath the Apple Tree Vanilla Blossom Roomy Romper, $54.95 Less 50% = $27.47
3. Dollcake Princess For A Day Headband, $25.95 Less 50% = $12.97
4. Love Henry Floral Frilly Dress, $54.95 Less 50% = $27.47
5. Dollcake Queen Bee Frock, $75.95 Less 50% = $37.97
6. Knucklehead Gutterball Arr! Shirt, $49.95 Less 50% = $24.97
7. Knucklehead Baggy Buster Pub Hat – Engineer, $29.00 Less 50% = $14.50
8. BEAUtique Mini Check Fedora Hat, $29.00 Less 50% = $14.50
9. Knucklehead After A While Polo, $39.95 Less 50%% = $19.97
10. Knucklehead Lincoln All In One Romper ,$49.95 Less 50% = $24.97

About A Boy stock many top brands of boyswear including Cried Wolf, Sudo, Electric Boy, Oishi-M, Polka, Three Little Trees, Minti, Urban Elk, Toetum, Sooki Baby, Ubang Babblechat, Deglingos, Oopsie, Super Zeroes, Littlehorn, Mister Mista, Cut It Out Kids and Bonds.

About A Boy ship Australia-wide for a flat rate of $9.00.  Click here for full postage and delivery information.

Written by Anna

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Since they burst onto the scene earlier this year, the children’s furniture created by Incy Interiors – www.incyinteriors.com.au has quickly zoomed to sit among the top of Australia’s most coveted list of nursery furniture.  Incy Interiors make a stunning range of quality cots, beds, change tables/dressers, bookcases, side tables, chairs and wall art available in leading children’s boutiques and via their very own online store.

Though my children’s arrival in the world beat the introduction of Incy Interiors, it hasn’t stopped me swooning over their amazing designs that are altogether lovely and functional, affordable and practical. I love the range of metal cots, and the Jake Bookcase which is part of the driftwood range is divine too.  My absolute favourite though are the Incy Egg Chairs which have become extremely popular this year.

Today and today only, you have a the opportunity to shop the Incy Interiors complete range with an incredible 20% discount storewide – WOW!  This exclusive discount is available to KidStyleFile readers for ONE DAY ONLY – so go ahead and tell the world about it! If you have friends expecting a baby and about to decorate a nursery, or a little one needing to upgrade to a big bed – today is the day for your to become their best friend ever!  You can use this code on *all* items in the range including those that are up for pre-order, but you must order and pay for your items in full today. To redeem your 20% off you must enter special discount code KSF001 which expires at midnight 15 December 2011. This offer cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer.

Discounted prices are only applicable with discount exclusive code KSF001 for ONE DAY ONLY. The code expires at midnight 15 December 2011. This code cannot be used in conjunction with any offer.

1. Leo change table/dresser $599.00 less 20% =$479.20
2. Mia Bed $549.00 less 20% = $439.20
3. Incy Arm Chair $129.00 less 20% = $103.20
4. Train Blueprint Wall Art $59.00 less 20% = $47.20
   
5. Jake Bookcase $499.00 less 20% = $399.20
6. Rupert Cot $899.00 less 20% = $719.20
7. Lollypop Wall Art – Yellow $49.00 less 20% = $39.20 (also available in green and pink or as a set of 3)
8. Sophia Cot $599.00 less 20% =$479.20
   

Incy Interiors ship around Australia via Australia Post and Professional Courier. Please see the shipping tab for full delivery information.

Written by Miki

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Over the last few weeks, the KidStyleFile team have gone into overdrive to bring you an extensive collection of gift guides to make your Christmas purchasing as easy as possible. We’ve given you a total of twenty-one gift guides covering everything from Stocking Stuffers Under $10 to Big Ticket Items Over $100, and each of the KidStyleFile writers has shown you what we’re placing under our Christmas trees for our own kids as well. We’ve also had the owners of many of our favourite stores give their top suggestions for gifts; it’s always great to hear from the experts themselves.  In total we’ve given you 289 ideas for what to buy the special little people in your life, and we hope you’ve enjoyed it as much as we have!

In case you’ve missed any of our guides, today I’m going to give you a final wrap-up of everything we’ve covered. And don’t forget, if you’re still stuck for ideas, come over to the KidStyleFile Facebook page to chat to us and all our incredibly helpful fans – I can just about guarantee we’ll come up with the perfect solution.

Our Christmas Gift Guides For 2011:

Top 20 Stocking Stuffers {Under $10}  |  Top 20 Gifts {Under $25}  |  Top 20 Gifts {$25 to $50}  |  Top 20 Gifts {$50 to $100}  |  Top 20 Gifts {Big Ticket Items Over $100}  |  Besty of Etsy: Handmade Christmas Gift Guide  |  Besty of Etsy: An Australian Handmade Gift Guide  |  The Green Guide: Best Eco-Friendly Gifts  | Top 10 Advent Calendars  |  Favourite Christmas Books  |  Staff Picks: Under Dom’s Tree  | Staff Picks: Under Anna’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Melody’s Christmas Tree  | Staff Picks: Under Jen’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Edwina’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Miki’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Leah’s Christmas Tree  |  Staff Picks: Under Angela’s Christmas Tree  |  Store Owners’ Picks: Part 1  | Store Owners’ Picks: Part 2  | Store Owners’ Picks: Part 3  | Store Owners’ Picks: Part 4

Please check individual sites for postage details and be sure to survey the KidStyleFile All Current Deals page to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.

Written by Anna

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Audrey Hepburn’s son described his mother as having an ‘elegant spirit’ and I think the same could be said of The Little Kidz Closet – www.thelittlekidzcloset.com.au.  As an actress, Audrey Hepburn was the epitome of elegance and grace, and likewise, The Little Kidz Closet showcases all that is elegant and graceful in the world of little children. Proprietor Lesley has an intuitive eye for beautiful design and as such her boutique is a delight to my eyes, and her choice in products is bound to delight your children too.

In time for Christmas, Lesley has stocked The Little Kidz Closet with a host of gorgeous new products. If you need a gift for a baby, a special blanket is a gift that will be treasured and complimented again and again as it travels out and about with wee little baby. The Weegoamigo Blankets would fit the bill perfectly. The Golly Gosh toys would also make a great gift. Or you could choose something to decorate the nursery like a Decoylab clock – I love them all, but my current favourite is the Decoylab Deer Bamboo Clock. For older children The Little Kidz Closet stock great gifts for decorating bedrooms too. There is linen from coveted brand Jacob and Bonomi, including the new Little House Blankets which are up for pre-order. For stylish walls there are the fabric wall stickers from Mae. This unique brand have also launched new melamine plate sets which would make a great Christmas gift. The Dinosaur Dinner Set is pictured below at letter i.

Little people love pint sized storage options to put their special things in, making something along these lines a really thoughtful gift.  Though they might be happy with a recycled shoe box, The Little Kidz Closet have some much more eye catching and stylish options to choose from. For girls there are the Apples Storage Baskets in two colour choices, and for boys there is the range from Hunters Hut with the Vespa New York Cases shown below.

As a special Christmas offer, The Little Kidz Closet are offering all KSF readers who spend $200 or more a $20 gift voucher to be used on your next order. There are no exclusions on what you can spend your $200 on, so as well as all the great Christmas gifts I’ve mentioned you might like to check out the sale section with items heavily discounted, some up to 58% off RRP. This offer is valid until 30 January 2012 and your voucher will be emailed to you and remains valid for 12 months.

a. Weegoamigo Flock of Ducks $79.95 
b. Hunters Hut Vespa New York Cases $55.00
c. Apples Storage Baskets – Raspberry $89.95 
d. Decoylab Deer Bamboo Clock $80.00
e. Teeny Me Beach Towel Navy $29.95
f. Hunters Hut Bicycle Bookends $59.95
g. Mae oh deer girly $79.95 
h. Jacob & Bonomi Tree Of Life Doona Set $135.00
i. Love Mae – Dinosaur Dinner Set $54.95
j. Jacob and Bonomi Little House Blankets $67.00
k. Golly Gosh Crocheted Donkey Soft Toy Rattle $29.95
l. Golly Gosh Crocheted Elephant Soft Toy Rattle $29.95

The Little Kidz Closet stock products from the following brands: 41 Orchard Wall Stickers, adorning al, An Angel at my Table, Antons lane, A-Z Designer Letters, Baby Kas, Baby Legs, Bloom, Bolly & Bear, boodalee, Boon, BugRugs, Bumprider, Bybo Design, Cariboo, Chalk n Cheese, Cicci – From Zuny Family, David Fussenegger, Decoylab, Design State, Designer Mama’s, Dingsbums, Dotty Spot Designs, ecococoon, Fiona Kate, Forwalls, Frankie Ray Sunglasses, Fresh Baked, Giimmo, Go home Junior, Golly Gosh, Graphic Spaces, Groovy Goose, Habitat Baby, Hanke, Heavenly Creatures, Hugg a Planet, Hunters Hut, idc kids, Il Tutto, Incy Interiors, Innate Gear, IVI, Jacob & Bonomi, Join Us, Jolie Petite Chose, Joolz, Kas Kids, Kidkraft, Koochu, Kouch, Kushee -Mat, Latitude Enfant, Leander, Left Hand Make, Lelbys Bean Chairs, Lilly & Lolly, Little Chillies, Little Chipipi, Little Lamb, Little Light House, Little Miss J, littlenest, Live Play Create, Living Like Lulu, Lovestamp, Lullaby Linen, Made by Mosey, mae, Mamas and Papas, Micki, Mini by Angi Mac, Miss Ruby May, Mista TJ, Miyo, Moll Desks, Mor-stor, Ni-Night, Noosh, Nurseryworks, old soles, Olli Ella, ooMoo Kids, Oopsie, Organic Baby, Paperwings, Petit Collage, Pickle, Pinwheels and Pearls, Pirouette Pettiskirt, Pop and Lolli, Printspace, puggyhouse, Raggidy Rag Dolls, Rondeau Industries, Rosemonde Et Michel Coudert, Seed Organic, Seedling, SleepiSpaces, Solvej Swings, Studio Skinky, Sudo, Tea Princess, Teeny Me, The Learning Tower, The Little Kidz Closet, Three Little Trees, Tidy books, Tommy Rocket, Totriser, Totseat, Touchwood Furniture, Treehouse, ubabub Nursery Furnitue, Urban Nest Designs, Vivi Celebrations, Walnut Melbourne, Whimsy, Zuny Classic and Zzzoolight.

The Little Kidz Closet postage charges start at $7.50. Clothing orders over $150.00 are shipped free of charge. Visit The Little Kidz Closet Information page for full details.

Written by Edwina
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Finding that perfect something for your friends and loved ones can at times be a little stressful. Trying to find something that is both beautiful and unique, has a story, and is not a drain on the environment is not always easy. Fortunately, websites like Etsy and Made It can be a great source of beautiful hand crafted or designed pieces. This month I have selected some gift ideas from Australian designers who sell on Etsy. If there is something that you love, you can snap it up now and it should arrive before Christmas (but please check with individual sellers first).

There are lots of summery gelato inspired colours and adorable gifts for kids and the occasional grown-up!

Image Links:
1. Hot Air Balloons Print $US16 from KathyPanton
2. Girl’s Ruffled Halter Blouse $40 from littlestarclothing
3. Flower Hair Snap Clips $AUD10.00 from missdaisychains
4. Angel Boy – Jewellery Box $AUD25 from littleblackcrow
5. Pretty in Pink Bunting $US36 from DanceInMyGarden
6. Bedroom Organiser $AUD20.00 from MyShabbyCottage
7. Murdoc Traditional Artist Bear $AUD235 from aerlinnbears
8. Fruit Salad Necklace $US40 from iwishihadalittleshop
9. Family Rules Subway Art $US130 from TheMemoryGallery